It takes confidence to compete on stage in front of an audience. It takes nerves of steel to do so in a thong.
On Saturday, August 4th, built and bronzed athletes will convene for the 2007 “Battle on the Bluff” Bodybuilding and Figure Competition at Sam’s Town in Tunica.
Promoter and trainer Chris Caudy, who has been a bodybuilder for more than 10 years, says the competition will attract athletes not only from Tennessee but surrounding states. The 2007 Junior U.S.A. champion, Mike Horn, is also set to appear as a guest “poser.”
“It usually takes 12 to 16 weeks to prepare for a competition,” Caudy says. “Diet is the hardest part; training is the easy part.”
Each division requires extensive preparation with an emphasis on symmetry and balanced body proportions. The nine categories of competition include teen, men’s novice, men’s junior, men’s open, masters, grandmasters, women, figure, and masters figure.
Aside from enjoying the eye candy, audience members might actually benefit from the competition: Watching bodybuilders often triggers a desire in people to better their own bodies. “It’s very inspirational,” Caudy says. “The bodybuilders have worked hard for months to be on stage for minutes. After a competition, people usually call me, ready to start working out.”
Viewing the finished product of diligence and deprivation — a chiseled body — is enough to motivate even couch potatoes. “It makes people believe it’s attainable,” Caudy says. “They see these people and think, I can do this. It might motivate you not just in the gym but in other walks of life.”
“Battle on the Bluff” Bodybuilding and Figure Competition, Sam’s Town Tunica, Saturday, August 4th, 7 p.m. General admission is $27.50, $32.50 day of event. For tickets, call (800) 946-0711.